AmendMe: A Tabletop Game to Teach the European Parliament's Legislative Process

The European Parliament Role-Play Game (EP RPG) is a multiplayer simulation in which the players take on the role of Members of the European Parliament (MEP). The game aims to help young European citizens understand the EU law-making process and to increase their interest in politics. It exists in a physical version, available to play on-site in Brussels and in many other capital cities all over Europe, as well as a virtual version that can be played in any suitably sized location, provided there are at least 16 players and a stable Internet connection. While the existing versions of the EP RPG strive to reach different audiences, they may still not be equally accessible to all players. For example, playing the physical game requires advance planning and travel, which may be a challenge for schools in rural and remote areas. Meanwhile, the virtual game may be difficult to play at schools with an unstable internet connection or limited hardware resources, or by smaller groups who would like to play outside of class. This paper focuses on developing a tabletop version of the EP RPG optimised for accessibility to a broader range of players. The game design focuses on game elements that support discussion among players and has them reenact key aspects of the EU legislative process, such as decision-making, compromise, and voting. Feedback from the pilot playtesting was encouraging and confirmed that the game was engaging and educational, but revealed that its content and mechanics require further adjustment.